RESEDA : 9th-Graders Learn Lessons in DNA

Even as O.J. Simpson’s defense team attempted to chip away at the validity of DNA evidence produced by prosecutors in the infamous double-murder case, a group of ninth-graders at Reseda High School worked furiously Friday to match strips of DNA found in their classroom to that of a fictional suspect.

“Whose DNA is this?” asked Nicole Cohen as she flipped through slides of paper and ink collected from around the classroom in an effort to find a match to the one DNA fingerprint drawing provided by teacher Ben Vallejo.

“Just find a match,” Vallejo replied. “And, remember, the ‘suspect’ strip could be a mixture of two samples you’ve collected.”

As part of Reseda High’s Medical, Environmental and Engineering Magnet Program, the students participate in a series of biotechnological exercises that can be applied to real-life events.

The class, called “DNA the O.J. Way,” recently received a $500 grant from Toyota Motors USA in participation with the Los Angeles Educational Partnership’s (LAEP) efforts to promote innovative math and science projects in local schools.

Using the so-called “Trial of the Century” as a springboard, the class introduces abstract concepts of biochemistry to the students and allows them to manipulate their functions through hands-on exercises.

For two semesters, the group of 18 has learned the ins and outs of the DNA double helix--covering such processes as DNA replication, protein transcription and DNA fingerprinting.

Before the school year is out, they will dabble in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques, which allow small amounts of DNA to be multiplied a thousandfold, making it easier for specialists to detect consistent DNA patterns.

“Most of our projects involve students manipulating abstract concepts for themselves,” said Vallejo. “Science makes no difference to them if they simply learn a bunch of factoids.”

“We’re trying to make science relevant to them by getting them personally involved and bringing these concepts home to events that affect their lives,” he added.

For their part, the students said they are getting a head start on future courses. “This class gives us a jump start on taking classes we should be taking in the 11th grade,” said Eyal Marom, who wants to be a veterinarian. “We’ll also probably feel less pressure when we are in college.”

“All the technology being discussed in the O.J. trial moves us to learn more in this class,” said Lanika Manning, who wants to be an obstetrician-gynecologist. “We want to understand so we can be in tune with the world.”